Cost is the first question most people ask about hiring a designer. Fair enough. The answer depends on the fee setup. This guide covers both parts: what designers charge on Long Island and how our own pricing works.
Here is the short answer. Designers charge a consultation fee, an hourly rate, a flat project fee, or a percentage tied to what you spend on furnishings. Trade discounts often offset a large share of the cost.
Typical Long Island Ranges in 2026*
Every firm sets its own rates. These ranges show the general Long Island market so you know the market before you compare:
| Fee Type | Typical Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | $150 to $500+ flat | A working session with real advice you keep |
| Redesigns | $2,000 – $30,000+ | One price for redesigning specific rooms of your home |
| Full-service home | Set by scope | One price for a defined project |
| New Construction or Major Reno | Often 10-30% of construction cost | Full design and management of construction project |
| Luxury/Estate-level | $75,000+ | Full luxury design of your estate |
Keep one thing in mind. The structure matters more than the rate. A higher rate with trade discounts can cost less overall than a cheap rate at full retail.
*These figures reflect general market ranges across Long Island, not our rates. Contact us for specific pricing on your project.
Trade Pricing Changes the Math
This part surprises people. Buying through our trusted trade suppliers gives you access to wholesale prices. You get the same quality products at a significant discount off retail.
| Buying Retail Yourself | Buying Through Us | |
|---|---|---|
| Product price | Full retail | Wholesale and trade pricing |
| Design services | Not included | Included in product pricing |
| Project management | You handle it | Included at no extra cost |
| Selection range | Retail stores only | Trade-only sources plus retail |
In practice our clients often pay about the same as buying independently. The difference is what comes with it. Design skill and full management are built into the price.
What Changes the Cost of Your Project
Four factors move the number more than anything else:
- Scope. One room costs less than a whole home.
- Custom work. Made-to-order pieces cost more than stock but last longer.
- Construction. Remodels and new builds add trades and time.
- Timing. Bringing the designer in early prevents expensive fixes later.
Timing deserves its own note. Builders and even some architects do not always plan where furniture will go. We wrote about this in our guide to interior design pre-construction. Early planning is the cheapest money you will ever spend on a project.
Match the Structure to Your Project
Not sure which option fits? The project type usually decides it. Room refreshes and DIY-with-guidance jobs suit the consultation basis and pair well with our interior design services. Remodels fit per-project pricing through our design-build interior design services. Building from scratch? Our new home interior design services start at the floor plan stage.
The easiest first step costs the least. Book a consultation and we will recommend the structure that fits your project and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire an interior designer on Long Island?
Typical Long Island rates run $100 to $300 per hour or $150 to $500 for an initial consultation. Full-service projects often use a percentage of furnishings spend instead, with design services included.
What is included in an interior design fee?
Depending on the setup, fees cover floor plans, color advice, room design, fabric and flooring picks, art placement, and ordering. Per-project pricing also includes complete project management.
Do interior designers save you money?
Often yes. Designers buy at wholesale and trade prices, avoid costly mistakes, and manage the project for you. Those savings frequently offset a large share of the fee.
How does percentage-based design pricing work?
The designer’s fee is a percentage of what you spend on furnishings. Design services and project management come included, and trade discounts on the products help offset the fee.
Is an interior design consultation worth the fee?
Yes for most homeowners. A consultation gives you a real plan, color direction, and layout advice you keep. You can then do the work yourself with expert guidance behind you.
About the Author
Robyn Baumgarten
Founder & Principal Designer•Interiors by Just Design
Robyn is the visionary behind Interiors by Just Design, bringing decades of experience and an impeccable eye for detail to every project. Her signature approach centers on casual elegance, timeless, classic pieces layered with texture, light, and the natural materials that define refined coastal living across Long Island and the Hamptons.